Some Dane Co. parks may be closed due to warming weather

Some county parks may be temporarily closed during the next several weeks because the warmer weather might leave parks susceptible to damage due to the soft ground, according to a release.

The warmer weather will start to bring out ground frost, and vehicle traffic and pedestrian use in certain parks may cause considerable damage to roadways, turf areas and trail surfaces, Dane County Parks Director Darren Marsh said in the release.

Marsh said park patrons should stay on surfaced pathways and roads.

“If we can reduce the damages at this time of year, it reduces our maintenance costs and allows us to provide better services through the rest of the year,” Marsh said.

After a few spring rains and drying winds, the ground will firm up and parks will reopen, according to the release.